Commas with Question Marks and Periods
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Commas with Question Marks and Periods
Rule 1 – Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example: I can go, can’t I?
Rule 2 – Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example: That is my money, not yours.
Pop Quiz
Select the correct sentence.
1A. You’re Marvin from my old Denver neighborhood, aren’t you?
1B. You’re Marvin from my old Denver neighborhood aren’t you?
2A. I believe that’s my jacket, isn’t it?
2B. I believe that’s my jacket isn’t it?
3A. That is a mountain lion not a house cat.
3B. That is a mountain lion, not a house cat.
Pop Quiz Answers
1A. You’re Marvin from my old Denver neighborhood, aren’t you?
2A. I believe that’s my jacket, isn’t it?
3B. That is a mountain lion, not a house cat.
If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page.
I would like clarification for this type of sentence if a comma should be used when you are saying “not this, but that”.
Picture it not only in your minds, but in your hearts.
Should there be a comma separating contrasting parts of a sentence?
Yes, that is very much in line with our GrammarBook.com Rule 18 of Commas: “Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.” The comma in your sentence is correct. Also note that, in American English, the period should always be inside the quotation mark.
I couldn’t find a rule that I thought applied to this question. Should there be a comma in this question?
What did Elizabeth give birth to, a boy or a girl?
Dear Debbie,
We apologize for the delay in responding to your question. Your sentence does not fit any of the comma rules on our GrammarBook.com website perfectly. The sentence is more or less a mix of two rules:
Rule 17 – Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example: I can go, can’t I?
Rule 18 – Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example: That is my money, not yours.
Our conclusion: “What did Elizabeth give birth to, a boy or a girl?” is fine as is.
Does this look right?
Overall, it was just that, a work of fiction.
Your sentence is fine. However, some would use a colon to introduce your simple phrase.
Overall, it was just that: a work of fiction.
Does the sentence “Can I have the bill please?” require a comma at all?
We recommend May I have the bill, please? in formal writing.
Which is correct?
So is it fair for me to say that you believe you’re currently capable of working, but you have the restrictions that we just
discussed?
So is it fair for me to say that you believe you’re currently capable of working but you have the restrictions that we just discussed?
Our Rule 3b of Commas says, “In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a comma at the end of the first clause.” Therefore, your first example is correct.
How to frame these two questions together.
1. Why is the door open, are we waiting for someone?
2. Why is the door open? Are we waiting for someone?
Which of the above two format is correct?
Sentence 2 is grammatically correct.
How would you write this down with correct punctuation?
How was your life, these past few years?
How was your life the past few years?
How was your life, the past few years?
How was your life the past few years?
Is this the following question correct?
Are you going somewhere, not right now, maybe later?
This sentence seems to be more appropriate for spoken or written dialogue. A more form-conscious way to write it could be “Are you going somewhere, if not right now, maybe later?”
Which sentence is correct?
Want to be adventurous, try the samurai sauce.
Want to be adventurous? Try the samurai sauce.
In formal writing we recommend “Do you want to be adventurous? Try the samurai sauce.”